Ultimate Gooey Chocolate Chip Bars

Irresistibly soft and chewy cookie bars packed with melty chocolate chips and a buttery, golden crust—perfect for sharing at any occasion.

This is my go-to recipe when I want an easy yet impressive dessert to bring to gatherings.

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled, 1 1/4 cups (250 g) packed light brown sugar, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, room temperature, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• Add-Ins: 2 cups (340 g) semisweet chocolate chips, Optional 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

Quickly chop vegetables, blend sauces, and prepare dips or dressings for fast, everyday meal prep.

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Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.

Step 2:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3:

In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.

Step 4:

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5:

Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 6:

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using).

Step 7:

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 8:

Bake for 23 28 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set (do not overbake for gooey bars).

Step 9:

Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, lift out and cut into bars.

Quickly chop vegetables, blend sauces, and prepare dips or dressings for fast, everyday meal prep.

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Quickly chop vegetables, blend sauces, and prepare dips or dressings for fast, everyday meal prep.

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My family loves gathering around these bars during holidays and weekend treats.

Notes

Swap semisweet chips for your favorite chocolate variety or add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a gourmet touch.

Required Tools

9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan mixing bowls whisk spatula parchment paper wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk (butter, chocolate), and may contain tree nuts if added. Always check chocolate chips and other packaged ingredients for possible allergens.

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Keeps spoons and utensils off counters while cooking, catching drips and keeping your stovetop clean.

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These cookie bars are the perfect blend of gooey and golden and will quickly become your family's favorite dessert.

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I achieve a gooey center in the bars?

Underbake slightly and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This helps the center set without losing softness.

→ Can I substitute the type of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can use milk, dark, or white chocolate chips depending on your flavor preference.

→ What is the purpose of using both brown and granulated sugar?

Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness, while granulated sugar contributes to a slight crispness in the crust.

→ Are nuts necessary, and can I omit them?

Nuts are optional and can be omitted or substituted with walnuts or pecans for added texture.

→ What baking tools are recommended?

A 9x13-inch pan lined with parchment paper ensures easy removal, while mixing bowls, a whisk, and spatula help with preparation.

→ How do I prevent overbaking these bars?

Watch for golden edges and a set but slightly soft center, then remove promptly from the oven to keep gooeyness.